Top 10 Sugar Importers in UAE 2026
Why the UAE Matters for Brazilian Sugar Exporters
The UAE imports over 700,000 MT of sugar annually, making it one of the top destinations for Brazilian ICUMSA 45 refined sugar. Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) positions the country as a critical re-export gateway — sugar that enters the UAE often reaches Nigeria, East Africa, and South Asia.
Brazilian sugar dominates the UAE import market for one key reason: price competitiveness and ICUMSA 45 quality standards. The UAE food and beverage industry, which includes multinational hotel chains, beverage manufacturers, and large supermarket networks, demands consistently refined white sugar — exactly what Brazil produces at scale.
"The UAE's strategic location makes it a global logistics hub, especially for food-grade commodities like sugar." — Sugar Logistics Services UAE Report, 2025
Top 10 Sugar Importers and Buyers in UAE
Al Khaleej Sugar
RefineryOne of the largest sugar companies in the UAE, Al Khaleej Sugar operates a major refinery in Dubai and imports raw sugar from multiple origins including Brazil. The company has significant market share in the UAE and re-exports refined sugar across the region. A key buyer of Brazilian raw cane sugar.
Al Ghurair Foods
TradingPart of the Al Ghurair Group, one of the UAE's largest conglomerates, Al Ghurair Foods is a major importer and distributor of sugar products. It supplies both retail and industrial customers across the UAE and neighbouring markets, with strong procurement for ICUMSA 45 refined sugar.
Cosmopolitan Food Group
DistributionA key player in the UAE sugar import industry, Cosmopolitan Food Group imports a wide range of sugar products including raw sugar, refined sugar, and specialty sugars. Active procurement from South American origins, including Brazil.
Alvean Sugar
TradingA global sugar trading company with strong presence in the UAE market, Alvean imports sugar from various origins and supplies customers in the UAE and beyond. Part of the Copersucar network — one of Brazil's largest sugar cooperatives — giving it direct access to Brazilian supply.
Al Dahra Agriculture
AgribusinessAl Dahra is a diversified agribusiness company involved in sugar trading among other commodities. Active buyer from international origins, including Brazil and India, for distribution across the UAE and GCC markets.
Al Nada Sugar Trading
DistributionA well-established sugar import company in the UAE known for its reliable supply chain. Al Nada imports sugar from various countries and has a strong presence in the local retail and food service market.
Al Khazna Sugar
RefineryAl Khazna Sugar is a well-known UAE sugar importer with a history of providing high-quality products to retailers, manufacturers, and food service providers. Operates with a strong distribution network across the emirates.
Nextrade Commodities
TradingA commodity trading company based in the UAE that specialises in trading products including rice, sugar, salt, and other commodities. Active in ICUMSA 45 procurement from Brazilian origins for distribution in the GCC and African markets.
Al Sultan Food Stuff Co.
DistributionA leading importer and distributor of sugar products in the UAE, serving a diverse customer base including hospitality, retail, and industrial clients. Known for quality products and reliable service across the UAE and GCC.
Al Bustan Group
ConglomerateAl Bustan Group is a renowned UAE conglomerate with interests in sugar import and distribution, among other sectors. Supplies customers in the UAE and regional markets with a reputation for excellence in commodity trading.
UAE Sugar Import Overview — Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual sugar imports | ~700,000 MT |
| Primary grade imported | ICUMSA 45 (refined white) |
| Main origin | Brazil, India, Thailand |
| Key entry point | Jebel Ali Port (JAFZA) |
| Re-export destinations | Nigeria, East Africa, Pakistan, India |
| Key buyers sector | F&B, hospitality, retail, re-export traders |
How to Connect with UAE Sugar Buyers
Reaching procurement managers at UAE sugar importers requires more than a cold email. Here is what works in 2026:
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1Target procurement contacts directlyThe decision maker at a UAE sugar trading company is typically the Procurement Manager, Import Director, or Trading Manager. Generic enquiries to info@ emails are rarely answered.
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2Lead with ICUMSA 45 specificationsUAE buyers are highly specific. Always include: ICUMSA value, moisture content, polarisation, packaging options (25kg/50kg bags, bulk), and FOB/CIF pricing from Brazilian ports.
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3Reference Jebel Ali logisticsUAE buyers value suppliers who understand JAFZA logistics, documentation requirements, and transit times from Brazilian ports (typically 20–25 days Santos to Jebel Ali).
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4Use a verified lead platformPlatforms like Braziltrad provide verified procurement contacts for UAE sugar importers, including direct email and WhatsApp details — eliminating the gatekeeping problem.
ICUMSA 45 — The UAE Standard
Almost all sugar imports into the UAE are specified as ICUMSA 45 — the internationally recognised standard for refined white sugar with maximum colour of 45 IU. Brazil is the world's largest producer and exporter of ICUMSA 45, making Brazilian sugar the benchmark reference in UAE procurement discussions.
Key specifications UAE buyers typically request:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| ICUMSA | 45 RBU maximum |
| Polarisation | 99.80° minimum |
| Moisture | 0.04% maximum |
| Ash content | 0.04% maximum |
| Origin | Brazil (preferred), India, Thailand |
| Packaging | 50 kg PP bags or bulk |
Find Verified Sugar Buyers in UAE
Braziltrad has identified and verified procurement contacts at sugar importers across the UAE, GCC, Nigeria, Egypt and 180+ countries. Get direct email and WhatsApp access to decision-makers.
Find UAE Sugar Buyers →Frequently Asked Questions
What type of sugar does the UAE import from Brazil?
The UAE primarily imports ICUMSA 45 refined white sugar and raw cane sugar from Brazil. ICUMSA 45 is the most common specification for food and beverage applications.
How do I export sugar from Brazil to the UAE?
You need to work with a licensed Brazilian sugar exporter or trading company, arrange logistics from Santos or Paranaguá ports, and ensure documentation compliance including phytosanitary certificates, certificate of origin, and quality analysis reports. The Braziltrad platform connects Brazilian exporters directly with verified UAE buyers.
What is the best way to find sugar importers in Dubai?
The most effective approach is direct outreach to procurement managers at established trading companies and refineries. Braziltrad provides verified contact data for sugar importers across the UAE and GCC region.
What is the transit time from Brazil to UAE?
Typical transit time from Santos or Paranaguá (Brazil) to Jebel Ali (UAE) is 20–25 days by sea, depending on routing and vessel schedule.